How we can build a new nation from the scratch, a case study of Singapore, by Nebo Peter

A hotel in China 

During the late 1960’s and early 70’s, Singapore was on the verge of her break up with the British Colonial forces. Faced with Indonesia confrontation and wary of her economic and military independence since her separation from Malaysia, the Singaporean Leaders led by the dynamic and indefatigable Lee Kuan Yew sought for ways to make Singapore independent, rugged, different and a vibrant economy.

The Singaporean case was like that of Israel surrounded by enemies. They had no natural resources and hinterland. It was either they develop at a pace far ahead of their contending neighbors, economic wise and military wise, or they perish.

Diplomatically, Lee Kuan Yew assisted by other intrepid fighters and technocrats like Keng Swee began a nationwide re-orientation of all Singaporeans. Their intentions were first to change peoples’ thinking and attitudes towards soldiering and independent living and recruit as much young people as possible into the military through the ministry of education. For Lee Kuan Yew and his colleagues, a strong military presence is the backbone of any nation’s integrity and defense. Without a strong Military, a nation’s exogenous influence is as baseless as a house without roof and windows. So, Lee Kuan Yew inducted, invested and recruited many young Singaporeans and redundant groups into the military, ending a more than 200 decades of Singaporean-Chinese antagonistic perception of the military.  From time to time he sent out his troops for reinforcement and training, creating an enabling environment for meritocracy and anti-racial engagements.

Secondly, having built good infrastructures back home; well-planned industrial estates, good working relations, sound macroeconomic policies and fiscal incentives, Lee Kuan Yew set out for foreign investments in Singapore. He knew that for Singapore to survive amidst her poor natural endowments she needed vast robust economic ties with Europe, America, and Japan that would, in turn, create employment for their workers gifting them with technical and engineering skills and management know-how. Lee Kuan Yew not only wanted to make Singapore a haven for foreign investors but also the commercial hub of the whole of Asia. Thus, by February 1968 Lee Kuan Yew established the Bases Economic Conversion Department chaired by Sui Sen and began to traverse the whole of America and Europe for investors in Singapore. His economic mantra was: ‘the world does not owe us a living; we cannot live by the begging bowl’, as against the backdrops of most African and third world nations who were dependent on foreign aids.

Hence, throughout his itinerary in Europe and America and with his popular meetings with Dr. Albert Winsemius, his Dutch economic adviser, Lee Kuan Yew was able to attract American Multinational Corporations in Singapore such that by December 1997 Singapore had nearly 200 American manufacturing companies with S$ 19 billion worth of investments at book value. These encouraged local talents, homegrown engineers, and dynamic Singaporean entrepreneurs. Today, Singapore has risen from a third world nation to a first world nation in less than 30 years of independence; all credits to Lee Kuan Yew.

Dear, the story of Lee Kuan Yew is a story of how a man built a nation from scratch, without natural resources but with people who are willing and teachable, to a rich nation. It is a story that should teach you that size doesn’t actually matter but quality. It is a story that should teach you that you can be rich and wealthy irrespective of your poor background. It is a story garnished with powerful insights and proven methodologies that natural resources do not actually make a nation rich but the fighting strength of its people. It is also a story that should open windows of opportunities for the African youths and talents who are capable, eager and willing to take the mantle of leadership. Today, Singapore is far ahead of many African countries because of the leadership qualities and foresight of Lee Kuan Yew.

Mind you also that Lee Kuan Yew was 35 years old when he became prime minister of a self-governing state of Singapore in 1959, and 42 years old when he became the Prime minister of Singapore after Independence in 1965.

Nebo Peter C